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Grammy Season has officially gripped the country, and come this time next week, all the snubs and who-done-its will dominate the conversations.

The Roots, being the media favorites that they are, released their eleventh studio album in …And Then You Shoot Your Cousin last May to mostly positive reviews. However they still didn’t make a blip on the Grammy’s radar for the upcoming awards.

When asked about the apparent snub, Black Thought tells Hip-Hop Wired that while the initial announcement may have puzzled him at first, he still has plans to get more golden gramophones in the future.

“I was slightly surprised but there’s some good records nominated,” the veteran rapper admits. I don’t think it’s ever safe to assume that each time out, whatever you do will be so noteworthy to where it gets a nod. We’re happy with the record, happy with the statement we made and the reception, and happy with the reception, even from our harshest critics.”

This year’s nominations for Best Rap Album is particularly loaded with talent and visible stars with the serene gangsterisms of ScHoolboy Q’s Oxymoron; Eminem’s trusted rodeo The Marshall Mathers LP 2; Childish Gambino’s shameless because the internet; Wiz Khalifa’s carefree Blacc Hollywood; Common’s steel-laden Nobody’s Smiling and yes, Iggy Azalea’s The New Classic. The latter in particular has raised several complaints amongst fans of the culture, but Darwinism has taught us that adaptation is vital to survival and The Roots plan to rise again on their next outing.

“The next time out, we’ll try to be more considerate with the nuances that the Academy identifies with,” he assured.

With three Grammy wins underneath his belt and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on top of its game, the current year isn’t the time to dwell on negativity. Black Thought has been working patiently with the world renown eyewear maker with a union that not only gives back to the community, also upholds the standards the brand has been known for since 1916.

“We had been trying to figure out what would make the most sense in regards to a collaborative effort. Come to find out, they were already very active with the New York City Boys Club with the MOSCOT Mobileyes Foundation. They provide free examinations and prescription eyewear for kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford glasses. The term ‘Mobileyes’ is play on words because they traveling all through different communities in New York. We partnered up with my charity [GrassROOTS Community Foundation] and we focus on mental and physical health and fitness for school-aged girls to help them grow into healthy women.”

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Photos: Moscot

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